Eels halves challenged to earn Origin berths
PAUL CRAWLEY BRAD Arthur has thrown down the challenge to his Parramatta halves Corey Norman and Mitchell Moses to prove they are “worthy of an Origin opportunity” this year.
Arthur is adamant both playmakers are now ready to take that next giant step in their blossoming careers and says the job ahead for Norman and Moses is to “take control and own” the Eels’ fortunes in 2018.
There will be a changing of the guard in the Queensland halves this year following the representative retirements of Johnathan Thurston and Cooper Cronk, while another failed series for NSW has only put more pressure on Mitchell Pearce to retain his spot.
Asked if he believed his two halves were ready for Origin, Arthur said: “Yep. Definitely.
“To me that is evident in their training and their attitude.
“Corey needs to put his hand up to show that he is worthy of an Origin opportunity, and the same with Mitch.
“The opportunities are there and they have a good team around them so there are no excuses.”
Queensland is blessed with a strong list of halves contend- ers in the absence of Thurston and Cronk, with the likes of Michael Morgan, Cameron Munster, Anthony Milford, Ben Hunt, Daly Cherry-Evans and even young Ash Taylor all challenging Norman for the opportunity.
For NSW, James Maloney would have to be a near certainty if he stays fit, and his combination with young Nathan Cleary at Penrith this season could ultimately deter- mine which direction new coach Brad Fittler takes.
If Maloney and Cleary can strike up an immediate partnership at club level for the Panthers it would have to favour their Origin hopes.
Other options for the Blues include Matt Moylan, who will be playing five-eighth at Cronulla, along with Sydney Rooster Luke Keary, who was outstanding in 2017 and South Sydney’s Adam Reynolds.